Hilma Af Klint: Malta’s Spiritual Art Connection

Ever wondered what lies behind the unassuming doors of St. Julian’s Parish Church? Beyond the familiar façade, a spiritual journey awaits, one that transcends time and space, leading us to the pioneering spirit of Hilma Af Klint, the Swedish artist who dared to defy convention and paint the abstract. This autumn, the ARTE documentary ‘Hilma Af Klint: Pioneer of Abstract Art’ brings her extraordinary story to our screens, and it’s a must-watch for every art enthusiast in Malta.

Hilma Af Klint was born in 1862, a time when art was bound by tradition and realism. Yet, she was no ordinary woman. A member of the spiritualist circle ‘The Five’, she believed in communicating with the spirit world. It was during these séances that she received her first artistic instructions, channeled from ‘Amaliel’, a spirit guide. The messages were clear: ‘You will be a painter, not a portrait painter, but a painter of spiritual things.’ And so, in 1906, Af Klint began her groundbreaking work, creating abstract art decades before it became popular.

Her radical approach challenged the norms of her time. She painted with bold, vibrant colours, using geometric shapes and symbols to convey spiritual concepts. Her work was ahead of its time, yet she chose to keep it hidden, only revealing it to a select few. Why? As the ARTE documentary explores, Af Klint believed that the world was not yet ready for her art. She wanted her work to be exhibited after her death, when people would be more open to its message.

So, what brings Hilma Af Klint to Malta? While she never set foot on our islands, her spirit lives on in the work of local artist and art historian, Dr. Alexandra Pace. Dr. Pace, who teaches at the University of Malta, has been studying Af Klint’s work for years. She sees striking similarities between Af Klint’s spiritualism and Maltese folklore. ‘Both cultures have a deep respect for the spirit world,’ she says, ‘and this is reflected in their art.’ Dr. Pace will be hosting a series of talks and workshops at the Malta Society of Arts this autumn, delving into Af Klint’s work and its relevance to Maltese art.

the ARTE documentary will be screened at the Eden Cinemas in St. Julian’s this October. It’s a perfect opportunity for locals to explore Af Klint’s extraordinary story on the big screen. After all, art has the power to transcend borders and connect us across time and space. As Af Klint herself once said, ‘The pictures were painted through me, but it was I who had to lift the brush.’

If you’re eager to explore Af Klint’s work further, head to the MUŻA in Valletta. While they don’t have any of Af Klint’s original paintings, their collection of modern and contemporary art offers a fascinating context for her work. Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore the beautiful streets of our capital city.

So, mark your calendars for this October. Hilma Af Klint is coming to Malta, and her story is one you won’t want to miss. It’s a tale of courage, creativity, and spiritual exploration. It’s a journey that starts in the heart of St. Julian’s and ends in the canvas of a visionary artist. And it’s happening right here, on our little island in the Mediterranean.